Summer has comfortably settled in, and across the UK, we’re savouring every last ray of sun. Those long, warm days feel like they’ll last forever, but time is of the essence as we head into the last month of summer — so why waste time sifting through sweaters to find those airy linen shirts? Proper seasonal storage is a game changer; not only can you make getting dressed quicker, but you can also create extra space in your closet and extend the lifespan of your garments. If you haven’t yet mastered how to store seasonal clothing, read on for all the answers!
5 Essential Rules for How To Store Seasonal Clothing
Want to know the best way to store off-season clothes? The truth is that there's no one-size fits all solution. Clothing is diverse, and cut, composition, size, and other factors will dictate how you should handle a piece.
That said, you can’t go wrong if you stick to the basics, so here are some seasonal clothes storage tips to live by:
Clean Your Clothes
Whether it’s summer, winter, spring, or autumn season clothes, make sure to clean your clothes before storing them.
Have you ever put off doing your laundry a week too long? Now imagine storing dirty clothes for an entire season. Even the faintest of odours will strengthen over time, and any smells, even perfumes, can attract pests. Make sure to spot treat stains so they don’t set, and most importantly, check pockets so you don’t find melted gum next year. While you’re at it, check if your clothes need any repairs as holes and tears can worsen in storage.
Once you’re done washing all your clothes, make sure they’re absolutely dry before packing them away. Any dampness can lead to mildew and strong odours.
Pack Your Clothes Into Breathable Containers
Breathable containers will keep your clothes fresh and ready-to-wear when you next retrieve them. By allowing for airflow, these containers prevent your clothes from getting stale and musty. Go for containers like plastic bins with ventilation holes or fabric-covered boxes that don’t trap moisture.
Store Your Clothes in the Right Environment
While it might seem like a good idea to utilise all that extra garage space, your clothes can’t be stored just anywhere. Clothes need to be kept in a cool, dry area where there’s no risk of dampness setting in — otherwise, mould spots will appear in no time. You also have to be careful of too much sunlight which can quickly fade vibrant pieces.
Use Hangers Wisely
If you’ve got a spare closet or standalone rail, hanging your seasonal clothes can be a great way to store and organise them. However, keep in mind that this method isn’t suited to all garments. Shirts, coats, and jackets are generally designed to be hung, and doing so will preserve their shape. But not all winter season clothes are made the same; knitted garments, especially those made of delicate materials like cashmere and wool, are better folded, as these fabrics tend to stretch and lose shape on hangers. They’re also more likely to snag, so if you do hang them up, make sure to use non-slip or velvet hangers.
Don’t Pack Too Tightly
There are several reasons why you shouldn’t pack your off-season clothes too tightly:
- Wrinkling: Clothes packed too tightly can develop deep wrinkles that are difficult to remove.
- Moisture Retention: Tightly packed clothes can trap moisture, leading to mould, mildew, and unpleasant odours.
- Fabric Damage: Overpacking can stress clothing fibres, causing stretching, tearing, or weakening of the fabric. Clothes that are embroidered or embellished are particularly vulnerable.
- Pest Infestation: Tightly packed clothes provide an ideal environment for pests like moths and insects.
- Ease of Access: Those summer storms and hot winter days take us all by surprise, so there may come a time when you need to pull out your off-season clothing. When clothes are packed too tightly, it’s difficult to grab specific items without disturbing the entire arrangement.
- Preservation of Shape: Structured garments, like jackets and suits, can lose their form if packed too tightly, so storing them with enough space helps maintain their original shape and fit.
If we haven’t said it enough by now, we’ll say it again: Always allow your clothes to breathe!
Tips for Protecting Your Seasonal Clothes During Storage
Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s cover key tips for keeping your garments extra safe during storage:
Use Pest Repellents
Protect your clothes from pests like moths and insects by using pest repellents like lavender sachets, cedar blocks, or mothballs. These can be placed directly in your storage containers or within cupboards and wardrobes. A popular solution is wrapping off-season clothing in lavender-scented dryer sheets which will keep them smelling good for months in storage.
Use Moisture-Absorbing Products
If you’re serious about preventing mould and mildew, use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packets. These products help keep the storage environment dry, reducing the risk of moisture buildup that can damage your clothes.
Organisation Tips for Storing Seasonal Clothes
Sort and Categorise
Before storing your seasonal clothes, sort them by category. Group similar items together, such as activewear or swimming costumes. This makes it easier to find specific items when you need them.
Use Clear, Labelled Storage Bins
Use clear storage bins so you can see the contents of each container without having to open them and label each bin with its contents for even better organisation.
Organise by Frequency of Use
Place items you are more likely to need soon, like transitional pieces, in easily accessible areas. Items you won’t need for a while, such as heavy coats during summer, can take up less accessible spaces.
Maintain a Seasonal Rotation System
Create a system for rotating your clothes each season and stick to it. When do summer season clothes come out? And which transitional pieces are good for that in between bit? As you store away one season’s clothes, take out the new season’s clothing. This keeps your closet organised and ensures you always have the right clothes on hand. If you’ve gone the entire season without reaching for a specific piece, it might be time to donate it.
Self Storage Solutions for Seasonal Clothing
Once you’ve mastered how to store seasonal clothing, the hardest part can be finding the right place to keep your out-of-season wardrobe. While you may have plenty of garage or attic space to spare, a dry, temperate environment can be hard to find at home. This is especially troubling if you have valuable pieces, like delicate, vintage items.
Self storage offers the perfect solution; a cool, dry environment, free of pests, excess sunlight, and even that friend that keeps “borrowing” your stuff. At Storage King, we offer flexible rentals, so you can store your collection for just one season or as long as you like. Our wide range of storage units means you can rent the perfect amount of space — a compact unit for your winter boots or a room full of rails for the whole family’s seasonal clothes. We also sell wardrobe boxes, ideal for storing and protecting your garments, especially during moves.
Get a quote for your ideal unit today or call us to learn more on 0800 0852 954.
